In the News

The Springfield Museums today announced a partnership with the Office of Public Works of Ireland to showcase artifacts that represent the historic connection between Western Massachusetts and County Kerry, Ireland.

The first exhibit honoring the relationship is now on display in the lobby of the Wood Museum of Springfield History. It is titled Gone Now, To Springfield: Celebrating the Legacy of the Blasket Islands.

The Blasket Islands are a group of islands off the west coast of the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. A small community lived on the islands before the last remaining residents — 22 in all — left in 1953, according to the Irish Independent.

The islands are now uninhabited.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, many of the islanders immigrated to Springfield and much of Western Massachusetts.

“Families from that area made their homes here and became an important part of the fabric of the city. They are a significant part of our history and their presence is profound in so many ways. They became firefighters, joined the police force and became prevalent in local government,” Springfield Museums president Kay Simpson said.

Simpson said the memorandum of agreement with the Irish Office of Public Works calls for the Springfield museums and Blasket Centre to exchange historic items, collaborating on programming, exhibits and events that will appear in both venues for the indefinite future. She said it is a work in progress and future exhibits have yet to be identified. The Blasket Centre is one of the heritage sites under the Irish office’s umbrella.

“This exhibit is a reminder of the idea of unity without uniformity and the incredible diaspora that makes our country unique,” said U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, who spoke at the announcement of the partnership.

“Blasket Islanders asked for nothing more than opportunity and a fair chance,” he continued. “Within just a few generations, they ascended and have become valued members of our communities, all while maintaining their deep cultural roots through centuries-old traditions.”